Maura White-Howard's Blog Posts

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're AtYou're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today's Housing Market?Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal. And just about every seller wants to know

The Case for Putting 20% Down on Your Next HomeIf you’re planning to buy your next home soon, you’ve probably heard the old rule about saving 20% for your down payment.The truth is, you

14 Years Running: Why Real Estate Is Still America’s Favorite InvestmentQuick gut reaction. Which investment do Americans trust more than stocks, gold, savings accounts, and bonds? The answer

What To Expect from the Housing Market in the Second Half of 2026If the first half of this year has left you feeling stuck, you're not the only one. Mortgage rates stayed higher than people wanted.

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.No repairs.No concessions.No

Could Moving a Bit Further Out Change Everything About Your Budget?Whether you're dreaming about buying your first home or wondering if it’s time to move on from the one you're in,

Are Home Prices Going To Fall?It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now: “What if I buy, and home prices go down?”With everything in the news, that concern makes

Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You AgeAt some point, as you start thinking about the years ahead, this question tends to come up:“Could I stay here long-term… or would it

The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Buyers This SpringFor a while, buying your first home hasn’t just felt hard. It may have felt out of reach.Not because you weren’t ready.Not because

When Buying a Home Feels Out of Reach, Some Families Do This InsteadFor a lot of people, the math on buying a home just doesn’t really work right now. Maybe that’s how it feels for you

Your House Hasn’t Sold Yet. Should You Rent It Out Instead?When your house sits on the market longer than expected, it can get frustrating fast.You start asking: what now? And for a growing

The Remodel You’ve Been Dreaming About May Be Closer Than You ThinkThat kitchen you’ve been mentally redesigning...The bathroom that really needs a refresh...Or the outdoor space you

The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away (And How To Get Ahead of It)You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently

Should You Wait for Lower Rates?Mortgage rates have already dropped into the upper 5s twice this year. But after just a few days, they ticked back up into the low 6% range. If you saw that and

The Price You Set Can Make (or Break) Your SaleThere’s one decision you're going to make when you sell that determines whether your house sells quickly, or it sits. Whether buyers make an,

Four Ways Your Home Equity Can Work for You 💸You’ve probably heard that today’s homeowners are sitting on record amounts of equity.But what does that actually mean for you?Simply put,

Top 3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before SpringIf you’re planning to buy a home this year, you may be focused on the spring market. And hoping that when spring does hit, you’ll see:Mortgage

Why So Many Homeowners Are Downsizing Right NowFor a growing number of homeowners, retirement isn’t some distant idea anymore. It’s starting to feel very real.According to Realtor.com

You May Not Want To Skip Over That House That’s Been Sitting on the MarketWhen you see a house that’s been sitting on the market for a while, the reaction is almost automatic. You start

The #1 Regret Sellers Have When They Don’t Use an AgentWant to know the #1 thing homeowners regret when they sell without an agent? It’s that they didn’t price their house

The Credit Score Myth That’s Holding Would-Be Buyers BackWould-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy. They’re sitting out because they

4 Reasons Your House Is High on Every Buyer’s Wish List This SeasonWhen the holidays roll around, travel plans, family gatherings, and all the chaos of the season may make you think it’s

The Housing Market Is Turning a Corner Going into 2026After several years of high mortgage rates and hesitation from buyers, momentum is quietly building beneath the surface of the housing market.

2026 Housing Market OutlookAfter a couple of years where the housing market felt stuck in neutral, 2026 may be the year things shift back into gear. Expert forecasts show more people are expected to

Don’t Let Unrealistic Pricing Cost You Your MoveIf you’re thinking about selling your home in Downingtown, Exton, West Chester, Honey Brook, Coatesville, or anywhere in Chester County,,

What Buyers Say They Need Most (And How the Market’s Responding)A recent survey from Bank of America asked would-be homebuyers what would help them feel better about making a move, and it;

Closing Costs Unpacked: State-by-State Breakdowns for Today’s BuyersIf you’re planning to buy a home this year, there’s one expense you can’t afford to overlook: closing.

Patience Won’t Sell Your House. Pricing Will.Waiting for the perfect buyer to fall in love with your house? In today’s market, that’s usually not what’s holding things up.

Why 50% of Homes Are Selling for Under Asking and How To Avoid ItIf your selling strategy still assumes you’ll get multiple offers over asking, it’s officially time for a reset. That

Thinking About Renting Your House Instead of Selling?Read This First.  If your house is on the market but you haven’t gotten any offers you’re comfortable with, you may be

More Contracts Are Falling Through. Here’s How To Get Ahead 💡When you sell a house, the last thing you want is for the deal to fall apart right before closing. But according to the latest

Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year HighBelieve it or not, there are clear signs buyer interest is heating up again.Let’s talk about what’s really going on behind the

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they

Today’s Tale of Two Housing MarketsDepending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your HouseAre you thinking about selling your house? Some common mistakes today can make the process more stressful or even cost you money.Fortunately,

Mortgage Approval Just Got Easier — What Chester County Homebuyers Need To KnowGood news for Chester County homebuyers: Mortgage approvals are becoming more accessible without repeating the

Multi-Generational Homebuying Hit a Record High – Here’s WhyMulti-generational living is on the rise. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 17% of homebuyers purchase

🏡 A Homebuying Guide for Downingtown: Helping First-Time & Move-Up Buyers ThriveBuying a home in charming Downingtown, PA, is an exciting milestone—whether it’s your first home or

Why Most Sellers in Chester County, PA Trust Real Estate Agents in Today’s Market 📢More sellers in Chester County, PA—including Downingtown, Exton, and West Chester—are turning

Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help 💡If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and

🏡 The Secret to Selling Your House in Today’s Market – Chester County, PA EditionA few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over asking price.

Common Real Estate Terms ExplainedIf you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going

Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging

Home Projects That Boost ValueWhether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter –

The 20% Down Payment Myth, DebunkedSaving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like

What’s Your House Worth Now? The Answer May Surprise YouLet’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is

Are You Saving Up To Buy a Home? Your Tax Refund Can HelpYou’ve been working on your savings and dreaming of that moment when you finally have keys to a place that’s truly yours. What

House Hunting Just Got Easier – Here’s WhyIf you’ve been frustrated by the lack of homes for sale over the past few years, here’s some good news. You have more options, so it

You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced

Why Pre-Approval Is More Important Than Ever This SpringSpring is here, and so is the busiest season in real estate. More buyers are out looking for homes, which means more competition for you.

Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going UpAt one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the

Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It in Today’s Chester County MarketSelling a house in Chester County, PA—including Downingtown, Exton, West Chester, Honey Brook, and&

More Buyers Are Making Moves — Is It Time To Sell?More people are taking steps to buy a home. And, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to move, this may be the sign you’ve

How To Buy a Home Without Waiting for Lower RatesMany people are hoping mortgage rates will come down before they buy a home. But will that actually happen? According to the latest forecasts,

Are You Asking Yourself These Questions About Selling Your House?Some homeowners hesitate to sell because they’ve got unanswered questions that hold them back. But a lot of times their

Home Price Growth Is Moderating – Here’s Why That’s Good for YouOver the past few years, home prices skyrocketed. That’s been frustrating for buyers, leaving many wondering

The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This Year in Chester County, PAHave you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and

Smaller Homes, Bigger Opportunities: The Homebuilder Trend Buyers LoveIt’s no secret that affordability is tough with where mortgage rates and home prices are right now.

When Is the Perfect Time To Move?It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of waiting for the perfect moment to make your move – especially in today’s market. Maybe you’re

How Much Home Equity Have You Gained?The Answer Might Surprise YouHave you ever stopped to think about how much wealth you’ve built up just from being a homeowner? As home values rise, so does

The Personal Joys of Having a Home To Call Your OwnThere’s no doubt that owning a home comes with significant financial benefits. And this time of year is a great time to reflect on the

Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.When you sell your house, ideally, you want it to go something like this: your house sells for top dollar, you get it sold quickly, and it all goes down

Only an Expert Real Estate Agent Can Accurately Value Your Home in Chester County, PAIn today’s digital world, it’s easy to rely on automated tools for everything—even estimating

Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate AgentsPutting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know

Should You Sell Your House As-Is or Make Repairs?A recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows most sellers (61%) completed at least minor repairs;

Is a Fixer Upper Right for You?Looking to buy a home but feeling like almost everything is out of reach? Here’s the thing. There’s still a way to become a homeowner, even when

How Long Will It Take To Sell Your House in Chester County, PA?As you prepare to sell your house, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is, “How long will this process take?

The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down PaymentDid you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home. That’s because, once they sell,

Secrets To Selling Your House QuicklySeeing your house sit on the market without any bites is the ultimate frustration. And unfortunately, some sellers are in that tricky spot today

What To Know About Closing CostsNow that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of

The Best Time To Buy a Home This YearA shift is underway in the housing market this season. And if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to jump back into

Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the ScaleAre you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off? It’s a common dilemma, especially for homeowners in

2025 Housing Market Forecasts: What To ExpectLooking ahead to 2025, it's important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market. And whether you're thinking of buying or 

Today’s Biggest Housing Market MythsHave you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? That’s especially true if you’re thinking about buying or;

How Mortgage Rate Changes Impact Your Homebuying PowerIf you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably got mortgage rates on your mind. That’s

Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing MarketIf you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market. And while that

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Their EquityCurious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And

Are Home Prices Going To Come Down?Today’s headlines and news stories about home prices are confusing and make it tough to know what’s really happening. Some say home prices are heading

Unlocking Homebuyer Opportunities in Chester County, PA in 2024There’s no arguing this past year has been difficult for homebuyers. If you’re someone who has started the process of

Why Working with a Real Estate Professional Is Crucial Right NowNavigating the housing market can be tricky, especially these days. That's why having an experienced guide when buying or

Homeownership: The Heart of the American DreamEveryone’s vision for the future is personal and unique. But for many, common goals include success, freedom, and prosperity — values

The Difference Between an Inspection and an AppraisalWhen you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with. While you may

Why a Vacation Home in Chester County, PA, Is the Ultimate Summer UpgradeSummer is officially here and that means it’s the perfect time to start planning where you want to vacation and unwind

What You Need To Know About Today’s Down Payment ProgramsThere's no denying it's gotten more challenging to buy a home, especially with today's mortgage rates and home&

Selling Smart: Why a Real Estate Agent Makes All the DifferenceIf you’re considering selling your house on your own as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO), you want to think

More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of HomeownershipWith all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a

How VA Loans Can Help You Buy a HomeFor over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you know has served in the

What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?If you’re thinking of making a move this year, there are two housing market factors that are probably on your mind: home

Home Prices Are Climbing in These Top CitiesAre you thinking about buying a home or selling your current one to find a better fit? If so, you might be wondering what's going on with home prices

What More Listings Mean When You Sell Your HouseThe number of homes for sale is playing a big role in today’s housing market. And, if you’re considering whether or not to list your,

Is a Multi-Generational Home Right for You?Ever thought about living in the same house with your grandparents, parents, or other loved ones? You're not alone. A lot of people are choosing to &

Is It Getting More Affordable To Buy a Home?Over the past year or so, a lot of people have been talking about how tough it is to buy a home. And while there’s no arguing affordability is

Ways To Use Your Tax Refund If You Want To Buy a HomeHave you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a number of expenses involved – from your down payment

Newly Built Homes Could Be a Game Changer This Spring in Chester County, PABuying a home this spring? You’re probably navigating today’s affordability challenges and dealing with the

The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost HereAre you thinking about making a move? If so, now may be the perfect time to start the process. That’s because experts say the best week to

4 Tips To Make Your Strongest Offer on a Home in Chester County, PAAre you eyeing a home purchase in Downingtown, Exton, West Chester, Honey Brook, Coatesville, or anywhere in Chester County, PA,

Maximizing Buyer Access: A Key Strategy for Selling Your Home in Chester County 🏠If you’re gearing up to sell your house this spring in Chester County, Pennsylvania, you're likely

Why You Want an Agent’s Advice for Your MoveNo matter how you slice it, buying or selling a home is a big decision. And when you’re going through any change in your

How Changing Mortgage Rates Impact You [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsIf you’re looking to buy a home, it’s important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford

Get your House Ready for a Spring Listing in Chester CountyIf you're planning to sell your house this spring in Chester County, now is the ideal time to start preparing. As the market gears up for

What’s Really Happening with Mortgage Rates?Are you feeling a bit unsure about what’s really happening with mortgage rates? That might be because you’ve heard someone say they

Why Having Your Own Agent Matters When Buying a New Construction HomeFinding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today. Right now, the supply of

Are Lower Mortgage Rates Encouraging More Homeowners to Sell in Chester County?If you're in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and looking to buy a home, the recent drop in mortgage rates is undoubtedly

3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House in 2024Selling your house and making a move in 2024? It's an exciting endeavor, but it's essential to approach it with a well-thought-out strategy. Here are

The Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net WorthIf you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here's a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and

What Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Purchasing PowerIf you want to buy a home, it's important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay

Strategies for Success: What to Consider If Your House Didn't Sell in Chester County, PAIf your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell, it's completely normal to feel a mix of

Get Ready To Buy a Home in Chester County by Improving Your Credit ScoreAs the new year approaches, the idea of buying a home might be on your mind, especially if you're considering the beautiful

Navigating the Market: Ensuring the Right Price for Your Home in Chester CountyIf your house has been lingering on the market without finding a buyer, especially in the current real estate climate,

Why You Should Use a Real Estate Agent When You Buy a Home in Chester County, PAIf you've recently made the exciting decision to become a homeowner, the next steps might seem daunting. The good news

Navigating Home Price Growth: Expert Projections for Chester County, PA Over the Next 5 YearsIn the midst of robust data indicating a consistent rise in home prices nationwide, concerns persist

Unlock the Joys of Homeownership: Reasons Why Homeowners Are GratefulEmbarking on the journey of homeownership is an exhilarating experience, filled with unexpected joys and the comfort of a place

Unlock the Magic of Home Selling in Chester County, PA this Holiday Season!As the holiday season approaches, homeowners in Chester County, PA, face a pivotal decision: should they sell now or wait

Life-Changing Events That Move the Housing MarketLife is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or

The Road to Your Dream Home in Chester County, PA: Start with Mortgage Pre-Approval.Welcome to Chester County: Your Path to a Dream Home Starts HereIf you're considering a fall home purchase in the

Why Home Prices Keep Going UpIn your pursuit of realizing homeownership dreams or capitalizing on the sale of your current property to upgrade, you've likely experienced the rollercoaster of

Growing Your Net Worth with HomeownershipTake a moment to envision your aspirations for the future. Whether you're contemplating your career, financial security, or the achievement of significant

Key Skills You Need Your Listing Agent To Have"Your Chester County Guide: Finding the Perfect Listing Agent for a Successful Home Sale"Selling your house is a significant decision, and it can evoke

Why the Chester County Housing Market Isn't Like 2008: A Closer LookYou might remember the housing crash in 2008, even if you didn't own a home at the time. If you’re worried there’s

Home Price Myths Debunked: Why 2023 Isn't a Repeat of 2008 in Chester CountyToward the end of last year, there were a number of headlines saying home prices were going to fall substantially in 2023.

Why You May Still Want To Sell Your House After AllEven though you may feel reluctant to sell your house because you don’t want to take on a mortgage rate that’s

Where Are People Moving Today and Why?Plenty of people are still moving these days. And if you’re thinking of making a move yourself, you may be considering the inventory 

Four Ways You Can Use Your Home EquityIf you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years. Equity builds over time as home values

Homebuyers Are Still More Active Than UsualEven though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy that was so characteristic of the last couple of years, it doesn’t mean today

Real Estate Continues To Be the Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsAccording to a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 11

Explaining Today’s Mortgage RatesIf you’re following mortgage rates because you know they impact your borrowing costs, you may be wondering what the future holds for them.

Today’s Housing Inventory Is a Sweet Spot for SellersOne of the biggest challenges in the housing market right now is how few homes there are for sale compared to the number of

Two Questions To Ask Yourself if You’re Considering Buying a HomeIf you’re thinking of buying a home, chances are you’re paying attention to just about everything you hear about

The True Cost of Selling Your House on Your OwnSelling your house is no simple task. While some homeowners opt to sell their homes on their own, known as a FSBO (For Sale by Owner), they often

Saving for a Down Payment? Here’s What You Need To Know.If you're planning to buy your first home, then you're probably focused on saving for all the costs involved in such a big purchase. One

This Real Estate Market Is the Strongest of Our LifetimeWhen you look at the numbers today, the one thing that stands out is the strength of this housing market. We can see this is one of the most

The True Value of HomeownershipBuying and owning your home can make a big difference in your life by bringing you joy and a sense of belonging. And with June being National Homeownership Month, it

The Benefits of Selling Now, According to ExpertsIf you’re trying to decide if now’s the time to sell your house, here’s what you should know. The limited number of homes available

Why Buyers Need an Expert Agent by Their SideThe process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances. But today's market is still anything but normal. There

The Best Time To Sell Your House Is When Others Aren’t SellingIf you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know the number of homes for sale right now is low. That’s

Buyer Activity Is Up Despite Higher Mortgage RatesIf you’re a homeowner thinking about making a move, you may wonder if it’s still a good time to sell your house. Here’s the good

Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting TodayWondering if you should continue renting or if you should buy a home this year? If so, consider this. Rental affordability is still a challenge

Falling out of Love with Your House? It May Be Time To Move.Owning a home means having a place that’s solely your own and provides the space, features, and location you and your loved ones.

Want To Sell Your House This Spring? Price It Right.Over the last year, the housing market’s gone through significant changes. While it’s still a sellers’ market, homes that are

Leverage Your Equity When You Sell Your HouseOne of the benefits of being a homeowner is that you build equity over time. By selling your house, that equity can be used toward purchasing your next

An Expert Makes All the Difference When You Sell Your HouseIf you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s important to work with someone who understands how the market is changing and

Spring into Action: Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Expert GuidanceTo sell your home this spring, it may need more preparation than it would have a year or two ago. Today’s housing

Checklist for Selling Your House This Spring [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsAs you get ready to sell your house, there are specific things you can add to your to-do list.These include decluttering,